The production-based PhD: an action research model for supervisors

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Research ◽  
Supervision Process ◽  
Journalism Research

Purpose – This paper aims to demonstrate how action research methodologies can help to define and clarify the pedagogical role of the supervisor in production-based research (PBR). A major challenge in supervising practice-related research is trying to disentangle and articulate the theory embedded within practical projects. In journalism, which is still a relatively new discipline in academe, supervisors and students are often operating in under-theorised areas with no pre-existing theoretical roadmap. Action research has shown itself to be a useful methodology for structuring and explaining practice-related research, which in journalism would encompass PBR in the field. This paper shows how the action research paradigm is equally useful in describing and clarifying the supervisor’s role in these sorts of projects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks first at practice-related research and the main challenges for candidates and supervisors in trying to align PBR with academic paradigms. Using examples from the author’s experience in supervising journalism research, it then illustrates how the main supervision tasks of project management, research mentoring and the writing-up process fit into the action research model. Findings – In reflecting on the dynamics between candidates and supervisors in PBR, this paper shows how supervision of production-based PhDs is a dynamic research process in itself, presenting opportunities for pedagogical reflection. Originality/value – The paper helps to clarify the role of the supervisor in this specialist research area which is still trying to establish itself within academe. It provides one way for supervisors to conceptualise their experiences and so contribute to a corpus of knowledge on which others can draw and build. By showing how the action research methodology applies to the supervision process in production-based research (PBR), this paper articulates a way for supervisors to understand and manage their role in this still-evolving research area. Building on previous scholarship and applying this knowledge to journalism production, the paper shows how action research may provide a way of addressing many of the issues and dilemmas others have encountered and identified in their pedagogical practice.

Exploring the complexities of validity claims in action research

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 381-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter McInnes ◽  
Paul Hibbert ◽  
Nic Beech
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Language Games ◽  
Research Setting ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Validity Claims ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the problematics of validity that are inherent to the conduct of an action research project because of the disparate language games of both practitioners and academics.Design/methodology/approachAn exploration is offered of the tensions between different understandings of a research setting at different stages of the research process.FindingsIn each phase of the research there are a number of tensions between different epistemological assumptions about the “reality” of the research setting. Validity is not, therefore, about capturing a singular objective picture of the organisation, but rather it is produced through the negotiation of a temporary intersection of language games.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a framework for understanding the role of the researcher in the research process and the issues underlying validity claims made from different epistemological positions.Practical implicationsThe paper provides insights in to the mechanisms through which practitioners and academics come to understand each other and the limitations of this knowledge.Originality/valueThe article raises awareness of the different normative assumptions at play within a variety of action research contexts.

Investigating factors of intellectual capital to enhance achievement of strategic goals in a university hospital setting

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emidia Vagnoni ◽  
Chiara Oppi
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Goals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on an action research project carried out in an Italian university hospital that was facing a strategic challenge. The role of intellectual capital (IC) for university hospital strategic management is discussed after developing and applying an IC framework to enhance the visualisation of strategic IC elements. Design/methodology/approach – An action research process has been applied in the studied setting based on Susman and Evered’s (1978) definition of the engaged research cycle. Findings – The action research process allowed a gap between theory and practice to be bridged; the strategic control process resulted supported by new measures; a different approach to strategy management was launched, and other organisations perceived the relevance of the IC representation and wished to import it. Research limitations/implications – Research limitations are related to those recognised for the interventionist research approach. Practical implications – The paper contributes to the improvement of managerial and accounting technologies for practitioners managing university hospitals and discusses a university hospital’s strategic goals. Originality/value – The paper represents a methodological contribution related to the interventionist research stream of literature, and enriches the limited studies focused on IC in health care organisations. Furthermore, the paper enables appreciation of the role of academics in the convergence of theory and practice.

scholarly journals The voice of dwellers – developing a place brand by listening to its residents

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Hakala
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Place Branding ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
E Mail

Purpose Listening to the customers has long been a key phrase and success element in product branding. This paper aims to highlight the importance of listening to residents during the branding of a place. The study explores ways of listening to residents to ensure they are heard and also discusses the challenges and benefits related to place branding flowing from having residents participate in decision-making processes. Design/methodology/approach Listening to residents and offering opportunities to participate requires place branders to fully attend to, comprehend and respond to residents’ comments, requests, ideas and feedback. This study reports on how two Nordic cities – Turku and Helsinki – listen to their residents. The data used comprise face-to-face interviews, telephone and e-mail conversations and documentary material. Findings Residents should not be considered as one homogeneous target; participation options and channels should be adapted to the demographics and geographic issues of the different regions and resident groups. Research limitations/implications The role of residents and the importance of listening are crucial features in the emerging concept of inclusive place branding (Kavaratzis et al., 2017); its future conceptual development could benefit from the case examples at hand. Practical implications City authorities should listen to residents and provide them with opportunities to actively contribute to decision-making. Other cities could learn from the examples introduced in the paper. Originality/value This paper documents two Nordic examples of cities putting into practice a policy of listening to the residents, a previously neglected research area.

On the path towards open innovation: assessing the role of knowledge management capability and environmental dynamism in SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Martinez-Conesa ◽  
Pedro Soto-Acosta ◽  
Elias George Carayannis
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Environmental Dynamism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to shed light on the internal and external antecedents of open innovation (OI) in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a special focus on the role of knowledge management (KM) capability. The paper develops and tests an integrative research model which assesses the effect of internal factors on KM capability; the impact of organizational and external factors, namely, KM capability and environmental dynamism, on OI; and whether environmental dynamism moderates the relationship between KM capability and OI. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the knowledge-based view and the social exchange and the contingency theories, this paper develops an integrative research model which analyzes several relations between organizational antecedents of KM capability and its effect on OI by using covariance-based structural equation modeling on a data set of Spanish SMEs. Findings Results confirm that information technology-supported operations and commitment-based human resource practices have a positive and significant influence on KM capability. In contrast, results do not find support for the relationship between interdepartmental connectedness and KM capability, whereas both KM capability and environmental dynamism have a direct influence on OI. Originality/value This paper adds to existing research on OI, as it is the first study that addresses the critical role of KM capability for the implementation of OI.

scholarly journals Network analysis: emergence, criticism and recent trends

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 533-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Kirschbaum
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Organizational Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Recent Trends

Purpose Network analysis is a well consolidated research area in several disciplines. Within management and organizational studies, network scholars consolidated a set of research practices that allowed ease of data collection, high inter case comparability, establishment of nomological laws and commitment to social capital motivation. This paper aims to elicit the criticism it has received and highlight the unsettled lacunae. Design/methodology/approach This paper sheds light on Network Analysis’s breakthroughs, while showing how its scholars innovated by responding to critics, and identifying outstanding debates. Findings The paper identifies and discusses three streams of criticism that are still outstanding: the role of human agency, the meaning of social ties and the treatment of temporality. Originality/value This paper brings to fore current debates within the Network Analysis community, highlighting areas where future studies might contribute.

The role of WOM and dynamic capability in B2B transactions

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyekyoung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Relationship Continuity ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Informal Process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to verify the factors – word-of-mouth (WOM) information and dynamic capability – that affect industrial buyer-based relationship quality and to examine their effect on relationship continuity in business-to-business (B2B) transactions. The study also aims to examine the mediating role of relationship quality in linking WOM information and relationship continuity and in linking dynamic capability and relationship continuity. Design/methodology/approach – Two methods are used for this study: a literature review to develop a research model and an empirical study to test hypotheses. To achieve the empirical research, 267 cases were analyzed. Findings – This study verified that WOM information and dynamic capability have positive effects on industrial buyer-based relationship quality and relationship continuity in B2B transactions. In addition, relationship quality plays a partially mediating role in linking WOM information and relationship continuity and in linking dynamic capability and relationship continuity. Originality/value – WOM information plays an important role in consumers’ behavior in business-to-customer transactions and in B2B transactions; however, WOM in B2B transactions receives less attention, as it occurs by an informal process. This study suggests WOM information and dynamic capability as factors that affect industrial buyers’ perception of relationship quality and relationship continuity, and the research sought to examine the effects of relationship quality on the resulting actions, relationship continuity. This study could be useful for industrial suppliers to understand the industrial buyers’ perception on relationship quality and the results of relationship quality. Moreover, industrial suppliers could utilize the results of this study to build managerial goals to satisfy customers and to strengthen relationships with customers.

The role of owner/manager in adoption of electronic commerce in small businesses

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 754-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morteza Ghobakhloo ◽  
Sai Hong Tang
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Commerce ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Managerial Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Based on theories from the innovation diffusion literature, the purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model of electronic commerce (EC) adoption in small businesses (SBs) of developing countries. The research model specifies variables at managerial level as the primary determinants to EC adoption in SBs. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire-based field survey was conducted to collect data from 268 owner/managers of SBs in Iran. The data were analysed using factorial analysis. Subsequently, six hypotheses were derived and tested by hierarchical multiple regression and logistic regression analysis. Findings – Perceived benefits, perceived compatibility, perceived risks, perceived costs, and innovativeness were found to be the significant determinants of decision to adopt EC. Likewise, discussion on discriminators between adopters and non-adopters of different EC applications has been provided. Research limitations/implications – Cross-sectional data of this research tends to have certain limitations when it comes to explaining the direction of causality of the relationships between the variables. The study focuses only on the manufacturing SBs of Iran. Practical implications – The research findings have important implications for practising managers, information systems experts, and policy-makers. Governments should follow specific policies to facilitate institutionalisation of EC in SBs. Similarly, EC vendors and technology providers should collaborate with SBs to enhance the compatibility of different EC applications with specific characteristics of these businesses. Originality/value – To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is perhaps one of the first that examines the adoption of EC by SBs in a developing country context, using a research model which tests the effects of owner/managers' attributes on adoption of simple and advanced EC applications.

The role of firm-specific factors in the strategy-performance relationship

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prodromos Chatzoglou ◽  
Dimitrios Chatzoudes ◽  
Lazaros Sarigiannidis ◽  
Georgios Theriou
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Strategic Orientation ◽  
Organisational Structure ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to attempt to bring together various organisational aspects that have never been collectively investigated before in the strategic management literature. Its main objective is to examine the relationship between “strategic orientation” and “firm performance”, in the light of two firm-specific factors (“distinct manufacturing capabilities” and “organisational structure”). The proposed research model of the present study is built upon the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and the organisational aspect of the VRIO framework (the “O” from the VRIO model). Design/methodology/approach The study proposes a newly developed research model that adopts a four-factor approach, while examining a number of direct and indirect effects. The examination of the proposed research model was made with the use of a newly developed structured questionnaire that was distributed on a sample of Greek manufacturing companies. Research hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling technique. The present study is explanatory (examines cause and effect relationships), deductive (tests research hypotheses), empirical (collects primary data) and quantitative (analyses quantitative data that were collected using a structured questionnaire). Findings The empirical results suggest the coexistence of three distinct categories of effects on “firm performance”: strategy or “utility” effects, depending on the content of the implemented strategy; firm-specific effects, depending on the content of the organisational resources and capabilities; and organisational effects, depending on the implemented organisational structure. More specifically, the statistical analysis underlines the significant mediating role of “strategic orientation” and the complementary role of “organisational structure”. Finally, empirical results support the argument that “strategy follows structure”. Research limitations/implications The use of self-reported scales constitutes an inherent methodological limitation. Moreover, the present study lacks a longitudinal approach because it provides a static picture of the subject under consideration. Finally, the sample size of 130 manufacturing companies could raise some concerns. Despite that, previous empirical studies of the same field, published in respectable journals, were also based on similar samples. Practical implications When examining the total (direct and indirect) effects on “firm performance”, it seems that the effect of “organisational structure” is, almost, identical to the effect of “distinct manufacturing capabilities”. This implies that “organisational structure” (an imitable capability) has, almost, the same contribution on “firm performance” as the manufacturing capabilities of the organisation (an inimitable capability). Thus, the practical significance of “organisational structure” is being highlighted. Originality/value There has been little empirical research concerning the bundle of firm-specific factors that enhance the impact of strategy on business performance. Under the context of the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm, the present study examines the impact of “organisational structure” on the “strategy-capabilities-performance” relationship, something that has not been thoroughly investigated in the strategic management literature. Also, the present study proposes an alternate measure for capturing the concept of business strategy, the so-called factor of “strategic orientation”. Finally, the study adopts a “reversed view” in the relationship between structure and strategy. More specifically, it postulates that “strategy follows structure” and not the opposite (“structure follows strategy”). Actually, the empirical data supported that (reversed) view, challenging the traditional approach of Chandler (1962) and calling for additional research on that ongoing dispute.

Reflexivity and the clinician-researcher: managing participant misconceptions

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy J Hiller ◽  
Danya F Vears
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Professional Background ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethics Support ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – It is increasingly common for health care clinicians to undertake qualitative research investigating an aspect of their own profession. Although the additional knowledge and perspective of a clinician might benefit the research, the professional background of the clinician-researcher can be a precipitator for confusion, similar to the therapeutic misconception occurring in quantitative clinical trials research. A significant challenge for the clinician-researcher is managing the misconceptions of participants and others about their role in the research process. The purpose of this paper is to outline these misconceptions and provide insight into how they might be avoided and managed through awareness and reflexivity. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper the authors draw on their experiences as clinician-researchers and memo writing data from their respective qualitative research projects to discuss participant misconceptions. Theories of reflexivity and ethics support the discussion. Findings – Potential misconceptions from participants include feeling obliged to participate, expecting to receive clinical care or feedback and believing they are being judged. This paper promotes reflexivity as a tool to pre-empt, prevent and manage participant misconceptions resulting from misunderstandings about the role of the clinician-researcher. Originality/value – Alerting clinician-researchers to potential misconceptions and providing examples of reflexive thinking in practice can assist researchers to increase the rigor of their qualitative research.

The role of OD practitioners in developing corporations’ capacity to practice corporate citizenship

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 436-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Stolz
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Corporate Citizenship ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Research Area ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Niche Area ◽  
Citizenship Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims to analyze how organization development (OD) practitioners develop corporate citizenship for the purpose of increasing their organization’s capacity to practice corporate citizenship. Research shows that very few corporations have the organizational capacity to practice corporate citizenship. Evidence exists that ever more corporations adopt programs of corporate citizenship development to increase this capacity. However, there still is a general lack of a strategic understanding of how corporate citizenship development occurs. The potential of OD frameworks and tools for developing corporate citizenship have been highlighted. Nevertheless, how OD practitioners develop corporate citizenship has not been studied empirically so far. Design/methodology/approach – A sociomaterial case study design was used. The work of six OD practitioners when developing corporate citizenship in one of the largest pharmaceutical corporations was studied over several months, based on interviews, observations and document analyses. Findings – The findings presented offer model practices of corporate citizenship development, in the form of five core strategies and five core behaviors that increase an organization’s capacity to practice corporate citizenship. Research limitations/implications – With this study, the notion of corporate citizenship development has become established as a distinct research area. The study might encourage further research in this important niche area. Practical implications – The findings have direct practical implications for at least seven different stakeholder groups. Originality/value – The findings shed new light on both the epistemological and practical foundations of the concept of corporate citizenship, and hint to a new role of the fields of OD and human resource development in the twenty-first century.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document